Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor[edit]
An aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor (AADC inhibitor) is a type of drug that inhibits the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). This enzyme is responsible for the decarboxylation of aromatic L-amino acids, such as L-DOPA, into their corresponding amines, such as dopamine. AADC inhibitors are used in combination with L-DOPA in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to prevent the peripheral conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine, thereby increasing the availability of L-DOPA to the central nervous system.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors work by binding to the AADC enzyme and inhibiting its activity. This prevents the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine outside the brain. Since dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, inhibiting its peripheral synthesis ensures that more L-DOPA is available to enter the brain, where it can be converted to dopamine by the AADC enzyme present in the central nervous system.
Clinical Use[edit]
AADC inhibitors are primarily used in the management of Parkinson's disease. They are administered in combination with L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine, to enhance its efficacy. By preventing the peripheral conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine, AADC inhibitors reduce the side effects associated with peripheral dopamine, such as nausea and cardiovascular effects.
Common AADC Inhibitors[edit]
- Carbidopa - Often combined with L-DOPA in medications such as Sinemet.
- Benserazide - Used in combination with L-DOPA in medications like Madopar.
Pharmacokinetics[edit]
AADC inhibitors do not cross the blood-brain barrier, which is why they selectively inhibit peripheral AADC activity. This selective inhibition is crucial for their therapeutic effect, as it allows for increased central availability of L-DOPA without affecting the central conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine.
Side Effects[edit]
The use of AADC inhibitors can lead to side effects, although these are generally related to the increased levels of L-DOPA. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Dyskinesias
Related Pages[edit]
| Parkinson's disease and related topics | ||||||||||
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